The Vanguard ETF which matches IJR (S&P 600 Small-Cap) is VIOO, which has the same expense ratio; these two should be comparable. I would probably prefer VIOO for a long-term taxable holding, as there is more risk that iShares will raise the expense ratio on IJR in the future. Despite the low volume of VIOO, it normally trades at a small spread (3 cents according to Vanguard's data), because the two ETFs track the same index, allowing traders to arbitrage any difference.

VB (FTSE Small-Cap) is slightly less expensive but does not have as low a cap range, and with a higher yield, the expense difference may outweigh the cost savings.

And my own choice would be Vanguard Tax-Managed Small-Cap, which also tracks the S&P 600. Currently, this has lower expenses than the ETFs, and has 100% qualified dividends, versus about 75% for the ETFs.

zucckerbugger wrote:I'm using VBR in taxable (just started adding it). Should I be using tax-managed? Very confusing subject and so many small cap funds/ETFs at vanguard?-z

VBR (small-cap value) doesn't have a tax-managed alternative. If your investment strategy requires small-cap value in taxable, then VBR is probably the best choice; using Tax-Managed Small-Cap gives up the value benefit.

You can get more small-cap and value exposure by using another index, but VIOV (S&P 600 value) and VTWV (Russell 200 value) both cost 0.10% more in real expenses (after subtracting the "acquired fund fees and expenses" from Business Development Companies), and I don't believe that is worth the benefit that you need slightly less to get the same exposure.

zucckerbugger wrote:I'm using VBR in taxable (just started adding it). Should I be using tax-managed? Very confusing subject and so many small cap funds/ETFs at vanguard?-z

VBR (small-cap value) doesn't have a tax-managed alternative. If your investment strategy requires small-cap value in taxable, then VBR is probably the best choice; using Tax-Managed Small-Cap gives up the value benefit.

You can get more small-cap and value exposure by using another index, but VIOV (S&P 600 value) and VTWV (Russell 200 value) both cost 0.10% more in real expenses (after subtracting the "acquired fund fees and expenses" from Business Development Companies), and I don't believe that is worth the benefit that you need slightly less to get the same exposure.